8.12.08

AWARD FOR RAY REARDON

Ray Reardon, six times the world champion in the 1970s, has been given a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.

Reardon was one of the first stars of the TV snooker age. A former policeman, he was a superb tactician who dominated his era in the face of opponents such as John Spencer, Alex Higgins and Eddie Charlton.

In addition to his world titles, Reardon won the Masters in 1976 and was the first player ever to be ranked no.1.

In 1988, though well past his best, he stunned Steve Davis 5-0 in the first round of the British Open.

Reardon, now 76, retired from the pro circuit in 1991 but mentored Ronnie O'Sullivan during the 2004 World Championship, O'Sullivan's second Crucible triumph.